Best Men's Underwear for Every Sport and Exercise
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Different sports make different demands on your body — and your underwear. What works for yoga won't cut it for a 10k run. Here's your sport-by-sport guide to choosing the right men's underwear for every activity.
Running
Best style: Trunks or Briefs
Running demands moisture-wicking fabric, chafe-free seams, and a secure fit that won't shift with every stride. Trunks with a shorter leg are ideal — they sit neatly under running shorts without bunching. Briefs work brilliantly too for those who prefer minimal fabric. Avoid anything loose — inner thigh chafing is real and painful.
Weightlifting & CrossFit
Best style: Briefs or Jockstraps
Heavy compound lifts — squats, deadlifts, cleans — require maximum support and freedom of movement. Briefs keep everything firmly in place without restricting hip mobility. Jockstraps are the serious lifter's choice, offering targeted front support with nothing getting in the way at the back.
Cycling
Best style: Briefs or Trunks
On the bike, you want minimal fabric between you and the saddle. Briefs are ideal for road cycling under padded shorts. For casual cycling, trunks work well. Avoid boxer briefs with long legs — they can bunch and cause pressure points.
Swimming & Water Sports
Best style: Briefs or Trunks
Under a wetsuit or swimwear, you want something minimal that dries fast. Briefs are the classic choice. Look for quick-dry fabrics rather than cotton which holds water and gets heavy.
Football, Rugby & Team Sports
Best style: Trunks or Jockstraps
High-impact, multi-directional movement means you need support that stays put. Trunks offer great all-round performance for team sports. For contact sports like rugby, a jockstrap provides the firmest support where it matters most.
Yoga & Pilates
Best style: Trunks or Briefs
Flexibility and breathability are key. You need underwear that moves with you through every pose without riding up or restricting movement. Trunks in a stretchy microfibre fabric are perfect. Avoid anything with a rigid waistband.
HIIT & Circuit Training
Best style: Trunks
The constant change of movement in HIIT — jumping, lunging, burpees — means you need underwear that stays in place no matter what. Trunks with a performance fabric and secure waistband are the go-to choice.
Rest Days & Recovery
Best style: Boxers
Give everything a rest. Loose, breathable boxers on recovery days promote airflow and comfort. Your body (and your underwear drawer) will thank you.
The Golden Rule
Whatever sport you're doing, never wear cotton for intense exercise. Performance fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly will always outperform cotton when you're working up a sweat.